31.08.2017- Group dynamics

Today I had the pleasure of guiding two incredible tours with very different sightings on the Stenella. During the midday tour we encountered a pod of around 15 sperm whales rafting quietly at the surface. The whales then became more active and exhibited alot of social behavior, with the younger animals breaching and tail-slapping and the group occasionally spy-hopping. The herd contained a number of curious young calves who inquisitively swam to our zodiac, enabling our skipper Daniel to film the young animals underwater as they were quickly joined by larger females. The recording contains footage of the group socializing underwater as well as the characteristic clicks associated with the largest known toothed whale species.

We were able to enjoy the truly entertaining company of these cetaceans for at least an hour before speeding to our next encounter to see the interactive Atlantic spotted dolphins.

This dolphin species was undoubtedly the star of our evening tour at 18:00 on the Stenella. The dolphins were sighted a couple of minutes into the tour and were leaping around the boat in their usual energetic manner, much to the pleasure of our delighted guests. The group was hunting together with a small group of Rough-toothed dolphins, a larger dolphin species that was leading the hunt.

by Paula Thake

Sightings

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Striped dolphins, Sperm whales

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Sperm whales

Stenella

12:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Sperm whales

18:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Rough-toothed dolphins